Watertown, New York -----The Sleep Disorders Center of Northern New York at Samaritan Medical Center has been re-accredited for another five years by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM). The AASM accreditation is the gold standard by which the medical community and public can evaluate the services provided by a sleep center. Currently, only one percent of all sleep labs located in the United States is accredited.

“We are the only accredited sleep center in the tri-county area,” states Dr. David Rechlin, Sleep Center Medical Director. “We are a sleep center, not just a sleep lab. Sleep centers provide ongoing care of patients with all sleep disorders, while sleep labs provide only testing for patients with sleep disordered breathing,” he added.

All sleep centers are required to have one registered polysomnographic technologist (RPSGT) on staff. SMC currently has three, which allows coverage both day and night.

Numerous sleep disorders exist including obstructive sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, narcolepsy, insomnia, and central sleep apnea. Untreated sleep disorders can lead to heart attacks, impotence, stroke, and even death. Some studies suggest 40 percent of adults in the United States have some type of sleep disorder. Even snoring is a warning sign of a sleep disorder. Many people do not realize they have a sleep disorder unless brought to their attention by a spouse or significant other. It is estimated of the ten million with sleep apnea alone, 90 percent are undiagnosed and only about one percent are seen by a physician.

SMC currently tests up to six patients per night, seven days a week. If you believe you or a loved one might have a sleep disorder, discuss with your physician.